Michigan GOP Draws Attention to Dem’s Involvement with China-Backed Electric Vehicle Deal in Key House Race
The race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District continues to garner national attention with Republicans seeking to associate their Democratic opponent with a contentious deal involving a Chinese Communist Party-backed company.
Democrats Accused of Favoring Chinese Communist Party-Backed Company
Michigan Republicans urge former Democratic State Sen. Curtis Hertel, presently campaigning for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, to break silence over a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) he allegedly signed to gather details concerning contentious plans to employ taxpayer funds to aid in the establishment of an electric vehicle battery plant in western Michigan operated by a company associated with the Chinese Communist Party.
The plant, announced by Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October 2022, was anticipated to receive millions in incentives from a compact with Michigan lawmakers and Green Charter Township. The deal was proposed with a promise to generate over 2,000 jobs for the community. However, the project drew substantial criticism from local voters, largely due to Gotion Inc., the company behind the project, known to be a subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech, a company with strong affiliations to the Chinese Communist Party.
Public Backlash Over Controversial Deal
Public dissent to the project led to the removal of five of the seven township board members from power over their support of the project, with the remaining two members resigning. The controversy has escalated into the race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, one of the few genuine toss-up House races in the state, thanks to Hertel being among several legislators from both parties who signed the NDA with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This enabled them to learn about and negotiate details on the proposed plans for the plant.
Hertel’s Silence Amidst Increased Calls to Shun Gotion Deal
Recently, Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin voiced her disapproval of the Gotion deal, thereby intensifying calls for Hertel to follow suit. “Until there’s a national security vetting, I don’t love the idea of moving forward on any project or any sale of farmland to a Chinese entity,” Slotkin stated during a campaign event. “We need to not just think about economic aspects but also about the national security implications of Chinese-affiliated companies.”
Republicans are pressing Hertel to either agree with Slotkin’s position or comment if he regrets signing the NDA, accusing him of betraying Michigan taxpayers to the Chinese Communist Party. The controversy over the plant has also had significant implications in the presidential race, with notable figures voicing their opposition to the deal.
Former Democratic State Senators Linked to Chinese Company
Another point of contention is the reported links between Hertel and Gotion Inc through a Political Action Committee (PAC) associated with the law office of Warner Norcross + Judd. This firm reportedly serves as a foreign agent representing Gotion. Last year, Hertel, among several other Democratic lawmakers in the state, reportedly received funds from the firm’s PAC.
An opposing senator who did not sign an NDA associated with the project is former Republican State Sen. Tom Barrett. He insists that Hertel owes the public an explanation concerning the project.
Hertel Dismisses Accusations
In response to these allegations, Hertel’s campaign communications director dismissed the claims as a “false attack,” maintaining that Hertel never signed an NDA with Gotion. He further accused Barrett of trying to deflect from his own record.
Impact on Future Elections
This heated exchange between Michigan’s Republicans and Democrats indicates the high stakes in the 7th Congressional District race. The outcome and handling of the controversial plant deal could potentially influence voters’ decisions in future elections, spotlighting the complex interplay between local politics, economic development, and international relations.
